F-35 ‘Clone’? Why China’s J-35 Fighter is More Than Just a ‘Copy’

Key Points – While China’s Shenyang J-35 and the American F-35 Lightning II share a visual resemblance, they represent different design philosophies.

-The F-35 is a single-engine, true multi-role fighter with superior all-aspect stealth and unmatched sensor fusion capabilities, making it a cornerstone of allied air power.

-The twin-engine J-35, while likely less stealthy, boasts a higher top speed (Mach 2.0+ vs. Mach 1.6) and potentially a slightly longer combat radius.

-Although the F-35 currently holds the technological edge in avionics and has a proven combat record, the J-35’s rapid development signals China’s growing prowess in creating advanced military aircraft.

J-35 Fighter: The F-35 Clone Or Not? 

Shenyang J-35 and the American Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II are the most technologically sophisticated aircraft used by China and the United States.

Commentators have repeatedly noted the eerie resemblance between the J-35 and the American F-35, leading many to suspect that China may have copied the American design.

Upon closer inspection, however, the two aircraft exhibit several design differences. But which aircraft is better?

Comparing America and China’s Top Fighter Jets

Lockheed Martin designed the F-35 as a multi-role stealth fighter capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, electronic warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

It comes in three variants: the F-35A for conventional takeoff and landing, the F-35B for short takeoff and vertical landing, and the F-35C for carrier operations. Its design emphasizes global interoperability, stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare, making it a cornerstone of allied air forces around the world.

In contrast, the J-35, also known as the FC-31 or J-35A in its earlier iterations, is a twin-engine stealth fighter developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It bears a striking similarity to the F-35. Still, there are a number of aspects that separate the two, like the J-35’s engine layout and internal electronics (as well as a large number of other visual dissimilarities). It is primarily intended for carrier-based operations with the Chinese Navy, although it also has potential as a land-based multi-role fighter.

The J-35 is designed to provide regional air superiority and stealthy penetration capabilities, particularly in contested areas such as the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

Stealth and Avionics

When it comes to stealth, the F-35 is widely regarded as having superior all-aspect stealth characteristics. Its radar cross-section is estimated to be between 0.001 and 0.005 square meters, thanks to its radar-absorbing materials, internal weapons bays, and carefully aligned surfaces.

The J-35 also features stealthy design elements, including a smooth fuselage and internal weapons bays. Its radar cross-section is estimated to be around 0.01 square meters from the front. However, its twin-engine configuration may increase its infrared signature, making it more detectable in specific scenarios.

In terms of avionics and sensor fusion, the F-35 is unmatched. It is equipped with the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, a Distributed Aperture System (DAS), an Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), and an advanced electronic warfare suite. These systems are integrated through a sophisticated sensor fusion architecture, providing pilots with a comprehensive and intuitive picture of the battlespace. The J-35 is believed to feature a Chinese-developed AESA radar, infrared search and track (IRST) systems, and EOTS-like sensors.

While China has made significant strides in avionics, the J-35’s sensor fusion capabilities are not yet on par with those of the F-35.

Engine Performance and Combat Range

Engine performance is one area in which the J-35 beats its American counterpart. The F-35 is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, which produces approximately 43,000 pounds of thrust. This engine is known for its reliability and performance, particularly in the F-35B’s short takeoff and vertical landing operations.

The J-35 uses twin WS-19 engines, which together produce around 46,000 pounds of thrust. This gives the J-35 a higher top speed—estimated between Mach 2.0 and 2.2—compared to the F-35’s Mach 1.6. The twin-engine layout also provides redundancy, which is advantageous for carrier operations, albeit at the cost of increased weight and potentially higher maintenance complexity.

Range and combat radius are critical for operations in the vast expanses of the Pacific. The F-35A has a combat radius of approximately 1,100 kilometers and a ferry range of around 2,200 kilometers.

The J-35 is estimated to have a slightly longer combat radius, between 1,200 and 1,500 kilometers, which could provide an edge in regional operations. However, the F-35 benefits from a robust global logistics network and aerial refueling capabilities that extend its operational reach far beyond its base range.

Armament and Cost Considerations

When it comes to weapons and payload, both aircraft are capable of carrying a wide array of munitions. The F-35 can hold about 5,700 pounds of weapons internally in stealth mode and up to 18,000 pounds with external pylons. Its arsenal includes AIM-120 AMRAAMs, AIM-9X Sidewinders, JDAMs, Small Diameter Bombs, and even nuclear weapons like the B61-12. The J-35 is believed to have a similar internal payload capacity and a maximum payload of around 18,000 pounds. It is expected to carry Chinese munitions such as the PL-15 and PL-10 air-to-air missiles, as well as anti-ship and precision-guided bombs. However, the F-35’s weapons suite is more diverse and combat-tested.

Cost and manufacturing are always important factors to consider. The F-35 costs between $80 million and $100 million per unit, depending on the variant and configuration. The U.S. has spent years building up its industrial base to churn out F-35s.

It is widely exported, though sales are subject to strict U.S. regulations. The J-35 is expected to be more affordable, with an estimated cost of $70 million to $85 million. It is currently unknown whether the fighter has entered full production, but if the J-20 is any reference to go by, the J-35 will likely be widely produced in time.

The J-35 may also prove to be a valuable export product, with Pakistan and Egypt already expressing interest in it.

Overall, the F-35 is still the leader in terms of stealth technology and onboard electronics. However, The J-35’s capabilities are not to be underestimated. The fighter demonstrates China’s rapid modernization with its sophisticated avionics, its deadly set of armaments, and its ability to be integrated into China’s navy. While its stealth aircraft may be inferior to the U.S.’ today, in a couple of years, China may yet surpass America and gain the technological edge.

About the Author:

Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.

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